In our hearts, setting Jesus apart, as, Lord… Why? Certainly, because Jesus IS Lord, God incarnate. But also, because of His incredible Mercy toward us. He so loved the world that the Father gave His only Son, the Son came by His own volition, and offered Himself on our behalf. He came as one of us, enduring in His own flesh our suffering - and this, daily. You see, Jesus would not only come to save, but would come to relate so that we would have “a merciful and compassionate high priest” in other words, one who is acquainted with our suffering and therefore has great compassion for us and dares call us brothers and sisters. (Isa 53; Heb 2:5-18; Heb 10:5) And now, calls us to live out the same mercy and compassion that He has shown, and shows, us. (Matthew 7; Luke 6)
He SO loved the world… John 3:16-17
16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
What joy to know we are loved and held… 1Peter 1:8-9
8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Jesus… Lord? Yes… 1Peter 3:15-16
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats b ; do not be frightened.” c15But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Grace: It is God’s mercy that saves - His patience and tolerance, His kindness that keeps… Romans 2:1-4
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
With this in mind… His mercy and grace… Romans 12:1-2
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
